Overview
You’ll get an “insider” view of the unrivalled heritage of Rome and sublime beauty of Tuscany on this delightful private journey. With your own private guide, head out on foot to see Rome’s lesser-known sites, hike an ancient Roman road, and discover the treasures of Tivoli, where Roman emperors built lavish villas. Moving to the heart of Tuscany, you’ll be based in the phenomenal medieval city of San Gimignano, a World Heritage Site. It’s the perfect base for village-to-village hikes across Tuscany’s luminous landscape, familiar from a thousand Renaissance paintings, with its rolling vineyards, olive groves, rows of cypresses, and backdrop of hill-perched medieval towns. Every day, you’ll have your choice of activities so you can tailor the day to your own taste, whether you want a deep dive into culture or a beautiful hike on an ancient trail. A fun add-on option includes a trip to Rome’s Campo de'Fiori market with a professional chef to buy fresh ingredients for a private cooking class and lunch. Your Trip Leader knows this land as home and will unlock its secrets for you!
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Roman Villas of Tivoli / Hike the Appian Way / Hike to Monte Catillo
Stretch your legs on a full day’s walk as your private guide brings you to some of Rome’s most important sites as well as hidden sites that tell ancient stories. On the following days, choose cultural or hiking options, including a hike on the ancient Roman road called the Appian Way, a hike through Monte Catillo Nature Reserve to the top of Monte Catillo in the Apennine Mountains, and an out-of-town trip to explore Tivoli’s fabulous Roman and Renaissance villas. For an optional add-on, enjoy a private cooking class with a Roman chef, including shopping for fresh ingredients in the historic Campo de’Fiori open market.
Days 4-7
Tuscany / Siena / San Gimignano / Lucca and Pisa / Village to Village Hikes
Visit medieval Siena, with its famous shell-shaped main square, on your way to San Gimignano, a hilltop gem that makes the perfect base for your cultural and hiking options. For a cultural option, explore the walled city of Lucca, birthplace of Puccini, and Pisa, with its iconic Leaning Tower. Hiking options from San Gimignano bring you through olive groves in the Tuscan countryside with striking views of the San Gimignano towers, along the Via Francigena (pilgrim trail) to Monteriggioni, or along the Via del Sale, the medieval salt trade route, to the Etruscan town of Volterra. Depart via Rome on Day 7.
OPTIONAL ADD-ON INCLUDES:
- Campo de’Fiori visit and private cooking class with a professional chef
Rome and Tuscany Private Journey
